Either an India cricketer or a member of the touring party to Zimbabwe has been reportedly arrested in Harare for allegedly raping a local woman on Friday, said media reports. However, India Today has not been able to verify the news independently.
News agency ANI reported that the Indian High Commissioner has been in touch with the Indian team and was following the matter closely. The agency also quoted sources to say that the reports of an arrest of the so far unnamed Indian cricketer are false.
According to sources, an Indian affiliated with one of the sponsors has been arrested, who has denied the charge and said he is ready for a DNA test to prove his innocence.
Charity Charamba, Assistant Police Commisioner has confirmed that one of the Indian nationals is involved in the crime.
"The victim has pointed an Indian national from the batch that came in last week, at this point I'm not in the position to reveal whether it's a player or official as I'm bound by law. But, what I can confirm is that the accused appeared in court on Saturday," Charamba said.
"We have concluded our investigation, but both the police and courts have to handle the issue with care as it can lead to a potential diplomatic feud," Charamba added.
India are currently in Harare, where they are engaged in a T20 series. Having won the three-match ODI series 3-0 against the hosts, MS Dhoni's men suffered a two-run defeat to Zimbabwe in the first of three T20Is after fielding five debutants.